In this article we highlight the the history, characteristics, subcultures, popular brands and what is considered streetwear.
Streetwear is a fashion style that emerged in the 1990s in California, USA. It is rooted in the skateboarding, hip-hop, and punk rock subcultures and is characterized by comfortable and casual clothing that incorporates bold graphics and logos.
Streetwear has become increasingly popular over the years, with many high-end fashion brands creating streetwear-inspired collections. At its core, streetwear is about comfort and self-expression.
It’s about wearing clothes that make you feel good while expressing your individuality. Streetwear clothing often features oversized silhouettes, bright colors, and sportswear elements.
Brief history of Streetwear
Streetwear started as a response to the increasing commercialization of fashion in the 1980s. Skateboarders started wearing comfortable clothing like t-shirts and baggy pants that allowed for freedom of movement. Soon after, hip-hop artists began to adopt this style as well, adding their own personal touches such as Kangol hats and Adidas sneakers.
Streetwear really took off in the 1990s when brands like Stussy and Supreme emerged on the scene. These brands created clothing inspired by skateboarding culture but with a unique twist – they added bold graphics and logos to their designs.
This proved to be incredibly popular with young people who were looking for ways to express themselves through their clothing. Over time, streetwear has evolved into a global phenomenon with fans all over the world.
High-end fashion brands like Louis Vuitton have even collaborated with streetwear labels like Supreme to create limited edition collections that sell out within minutes of release. Streetwear is a fashion style that was born out of subcultures but has grown into something much bigger than that.
It’s a way for people to express themselves through what they wear and to feel comfortable while doing it. The evolution of streetwear over the years has been fascinating to watch, and it will be interesting to see where it goes in the future.
1. Characteristics of Streetwear
Comfortable and Casual Clothing
Streetwear is all about comfort and ease of wear. The clothing is designed to be practical, comfortable, and wearable for everyday activities. This includes t-shirts, hoodies, joggers, and sneakers.
The materials used in creating streetwear are usually soft cotton or fleece to ensure maximum comfort. The focus on comfort doesn’t mean that the clothes lack style.
Streetwear has evolved over the years to become a style statement that combines both comfort and fashion. Oversized t-shirts, baggy pants, and relaxed-fit hoodies are some popular streetwear pieces that offer both style and comfort.
Bold Graphics and Logos
One of the most distinct characteristics of streetwear is the use of bold graphics and logos on clothing items. These graphics can range from simple typography to intricate designs incorporating pop culture references or political messages.
Logos play an important role in defining a brand’s identity in streetwear fashion. Iconic logos such as Supreme’s red box logo or BAPE’s Ape Head have become synonymous with streetwear culture.
Bold graphics not only make a statement but also add an edgy vibe to an outfit. T-shirts featuring bold graphics or logos are often paired with ripped jeans or baggy cargo pants for a complete street-style look.
Use of Bright Colors
Streetwear is characterized by its vibrant use of color which sets it apart from other fashion styles. Bright shades such as neon green, electric blue, and hot pink are commonly seen in streetwear collections. The use of bright colors adds energy to an outfit and makes it stand out from the crowd.
Bold colors are often paired with neutral pieces such as black jeans or white sneakers for balance. Bright colored clothing also allows for artistic expression through color-blocking techniques where complementary colors are combined together to create an eye-catching outfit.
Oversized Silhouettes
Oversized silhouettes are a trademark of streetwear fashion. The baggy and oversized fit of clothing items such as hoodies, t-shirts, and jackets add a relaxed and casual vibe to an outfit.
The oversized look is popular among streetwear enthusiasts because it offers comfort as well as versatility. The oversized pieces can be paired with slimmer-fitting bottoms such as skinny jeans or leggings for a balanced look.
Oversized silhouettes also allow for layering during the colder months. Multiple layers of clothing can be combined to create a unique and personalized look.
Incorporation of Sportswear
Streetwear has been heavily influenced by sportswear over the years. Athletic wear such as track pants, sneakers, and baseball caps have become staples in streetwear fashion.
The incorporation of sportswear adds functionality to streetwear outfits. The comfort and durability of athletic wear make it ideal for everyday use while maintaining a stylish appearance.
Sportswear pieces are often paired with other streetwear items such as graphic tees or bomber jackets for a complete look. Sneakers have become an important part of streetwear culture with brands like Nike, Adidas, and Jordan being popular choices among enthusiasts.
2. Subcultures Influencing Streetwear
Skateboarding Culture
Skateboarding has long been a subculture that has influenced fashion trends, particularly when it comes to streetwear. One of the most iconic brands in skate culture is Vans. The brand first gained popularity in the 1970s among skaters due to its sticky soles and durable design.
Today, Vans shoes remain a staple in streetwear fashion, with the classic checkerboard slip-ons being one of the most recognizable styles. Another major influence on skate culture is Thrasher Magazine.
Founded in 1981, Thrasher quickly became the go-to source for skateboarding news and culture. Its bold graphics featuring flames, skulls, and other punk-inspired motifs have become synonymous with streetwear fashion.
Stussy is a brand that was founded by Shawn Stussy in 1980 as a surfboard business but quickly evolved into a clothing line inspired by surf and skate culture. The brand’s logo features an abstract script that has become instantly recognizable among skateboarders and streetwear enthusiasts alike.
Hip-Hop Culture
Hip-hop culture has had a significant impact on streetwear fashion since its inception in New York City during the 1970s. Adidas sneakers are one of the most popular footwear choices for enthusiasts of hip-hop style. The Adidas Superstar sneaker was first introduced in 1969 but gained prominence among hip-hop artists such as Run DMC during the early ’80s.
Kangol hats are another hallmark of hip-hop style that have made their way into mainstream streetwear fashion. Originally designed for British soldiers during World War II, Kangol hats became popular among African-American jazz musicians before becoming adopted by hip-hop artists such as LL Cool J and Run DMC.
FUBU (For Us By Us) was founded by Damon John in 1992 and became one of the first clothing lines to be owned by African-Americans. The brand’s popularity exploded during the late ’90s and early 2000s, with its signature logo featuring prominently on T-shirts, sneakers, and other streetwear items.
Punk Rock Culture
Punk rock has long been associated with rebellion against mainstream culture, and this attitude has carried over into streetwear fashion. Dr Martens boots are a staple among punk rock enthusiasts due to their durable construction and iconic design featuring yellow stitching around the sole.
Leather jackets are another hallmark of punk-inspired streetwear fashion. Originally worn by motorcycle gangs in the 1950s, leather jackets became associated with punk culture during the late ’70s and early ’80s due to their rebellious connotations.
Band T-shirts have also become a staple of punk-inspired streetwear fashion. Wearing a T-shirt featuring your favorite band is a way to show your allegiance to a particular subculture, whether it be punk rock or any other music genre that inspires you.
3. What is considered streetwear Some Popular Brands
Supreme: The King of Streetwear
Supreme is a legendary brand in the world of streetwear, founded by James Jebbia in 1994. What started as a small skate shop in New York City has now turned into a global empire, with stores in multiple countries.
The brand is known for its iconic red and white box logo, which has become one of the most recognizable logos in the fashion industry. Supreme’s success can be attributed to its ability to create hype and exclusivity around its products.
Every season, the brand releases limited-edition collections that are highly sought after by collectors and fans alike. From collaborations with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton to their own unique collections, Supreme consistently delivers high-quality streetwear staples like graphic tees, hoodies, and accessories.
Palace Skateboards: A British Icon
Palace Skateboards is a UK-based streetwear brand founded by Lev Tanju in 2009. Palace has quickly risen to fame for their unique take on streetwear fashion and their close ties to the skateboarding community. The brand’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by 90s London culture and often features bold graphics and colorful designs.
Palace has also collaborated with popular brands like Adidas, Umbro, and Reebok to create limited-edition collections that are highly coveted among sneakerheads. In addition to their unique clothing offerings, Palace is also known for their viral marketing campaigns that often feature tongue-in-cheek humor.
A Bathing Ape (BAPE): From Tokyo to the World
A Bathing Ape (BAPE) is an iconic Japanese streetwear brand founded by Nigo in 1993. BAPE’s distinctive style features bold camo prints and shark graphics on hoodies, t-shirts, sneakers and more. BAPE has become a global brand, with stores in major cities all over the world.
The brand’s signature Shark Hoodie has become one of its most recognizable pieces, and is often seen on celebrities like Travis Scott and Big Sean. BAPE’s collaborations with other brands are also highly coveted, particularly their partnership with Adidas to create the BAPE x Adidas NMD sneakers, which sold out within minutes of their release.
OFF-WHITE: High-End Streetwear
OFF-WHITE is a luxury streetwear brand founded by Virgil Abloh in 2012. Abloh, who was Kanye West’s creative director before starting OFF-WHITE, has quickly become one of the most influential designers in the fashion industry. OFF-WHITE is known for its high-end take on streetwear staples like hoodies, t-shirts, and sneakers.
The brand often features bold graphics and text on its clothing items, as well as unique design elements like industrial belts and oversized silhouettes. In addition to their clothing offerings, OFF-WHITE has also collaborated with major brands like Nike and Moncler to create limited-edition collections that are highly sought after by fashion enthusiasts around the world.
Conclusion:
Streetwear has become a cultural phenomenon that has taken over the fashion industry. It is not only a style but also a way of life for many individuals today. It represents freedom, self-expression, and creativity that allows people to showcase their unique personalities and interests.
Streetwear is characterized by comfortable and casual clothing with bold graphics, bright colors, oversized silhouettes, and the incorporation of sportswear. Its roots can be traced back to subcultures such as skateboarding, hip-hop, and punk rock.
Popular brands in the streetwear industry include Supreme, Palace Skateboards, A Bathing Ape (BAPE), and OFF-WHITE. As we move forward into the future of streetwear fashion trends will continue to evolve.
Many designers are already looking towards sustainable fashion in order to reduce their environmental impact while others believe that virtual reality will play an important role in creating new designs for fans of streetwear around the world. Streetwear is more than just clothing; it is a movement that represents individuality and freedom of expression.
Whether you are already a fan or have just discovered this exciting subculture there is no denying that it has become an important part of modern fashion culture. As we look to the future we can expect streetwear to continue growing in popularity while also adapting to new trends in society.
